Approval for £10 billion Earls Court redevelopment

The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham has granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Earls Court Exhibition Centres, marking a key milestone in one of central London’s largest regeneration projects.

The 44-acre site, which spans Hammersmith & Fulham and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, is being brought forward by the Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) on behalf of the Earls Court Partnership Limited, a joint venture between Delancey, APG, and Places for London (Transport for London’s property arm).

The hybrid planning application approved this week relates to the portion of the development within Hammersmith & Fulham. A corresponding application is currently under consideration by Kensington & Chelsea.

The approved £10 billion masterplan sets out a phased transformation of the long-vacant site into a mixed-use neighbourhood featuring approximately 4,000 homes, 2.5 million sq ft of workspace, and 20 acres of public realm and green space. The development will include three new cultural venues with a combined capacity of over 2,500 people, and aims to support around 12,000 jobs on-site once completed.

The first phase of construction, due to begin following further approvals in 2026, will deliver up to 1,300 homes alongside new public space and one of the planned cultural venues.

Designed with an emphasis on sustainability, the project includes a zero-carbon energy network and targets operational net zero. Biodiversity across the site is projected to increase by 85% compared to its current state. The scheme will also include flexible workspace intended to attract businesses in the climate innovation sector.

The site benefits from strong transport links, with three London Underground stations and multiple bus routes nearby.

ECDC CEO Rob Heasman described the decision as a "major milestone" following several years of public engagement. The project aims to deliver housing and employment at scale in a central location that has remained undeveloped for more than a decade.

Enabling works are expected to start in 2026, subject to full approval from both boroughs.